we've learned a diplomat is confirming radio active fallout from japan has reached southern california. but we have the reason why bay area residents should not be concerned. there's still disturbing overnight news from japan. the big change in the nuclear threat level. also, why this is a nerve- racking morning for thousands of bay area parents. "mornings on 2" begins right now. well, good morning. i'm dave clark. >> i'm tori campbell. it's friday, march 18th. rain falling in parts of the bay area, windy out there and the big storm is on the way, right, steve? >> that's correct. we've had pockets of moderate rain and then we'll get areas where it's cloudy and the rain lets out. it's already moving in towards mendocino county and for the

bay, it's beginning to show itself across the coast. there's area where the rain has picked up, especially towards napa and down towards rodeo and cordelia. south bay had a little bit of rain. looks like it's let up. on the peninsula, there's one band that went through. there's still plenty to come. this front will give us moderate to heavy rain rates in most of the roads, and they are already wet. here's more with sal. good morning. sanfrancisco, still a little wet. the rain has been peppering our commute. in marin county we're hearing the rain is very heavy in the corte madera area. you want to watch for standing water. this is a tree that collapsed into a power pole. you can see the poll is down towards power lines. the power is not out in the

area, according to pg&e officials. this happened south of highway 24 near moraga. the tree collapsed sometime overnight. we're told the pg&e crews are working to get the poll up. we'll have no -- we don't have an estimate when they will be able to fix it. it has not interrupted power in the general area. back to the desk. >> thank you, sal. within the last hour, a diplomat who has access to united nations' radiation tracking, says radioactive fallout to japan 'nuclear fallout has -- japan's nuclear fallout has reached the southern california area. here's jade hernandez. >> reporter: we've learned more information within the past hour about that. a diplomat confirming radioactive fallout from japan has reached southern california. "the associated press" is reporting this morning the diplomat has access to u.n.

radiation tracking. the diplomat says readings are "about a billion times beneath levels that would be held threatening." professors here in calf and berkeley agree and have -- california and berkeley agree and have been confident that any nuclear levels that would top their roof stop registered would be minnis school. the records will be checked two more times today. the registration of this is so tiny, it doesn't pose they health risk and the own -- pose any health risk and the experts say it's the same risk you 0 would receive in an -- you would receive in an airplane. particles are expected to dilute in the pacific education and should not pose any hazards

to swimmers. a few bay area residents we spoke to agree. >> i think it's really consider that all of us -- considerate that we're stocking up on the iodine. we should send that overseas. >> i'm trying not to think about it because it seems so overwhelming. >> part of the reason why the professors put this out is because of the fear. the potassium iodide can cause hormone levels to be in-- affected. back to you. >> thank you, jade. we're also monitoring a briefing happening right now in washington, d.c. now, u.s. nuclear experts are part of the briefing. we're gone bring you their

analysis. there you see a live picture. we'll bring you their latest analysis coming up at 7:30. 7:50. today, japan's prime minister in a national tv address called on the japanese people to reunite in rebuilding the country from scratch. also today, japan increased the alert of its nuclear crisis from level 4 to level 5 on a scale of 7. fire trucks sprayed water on overheated reactors at the nuclear plant again today, trying to prevent a meltdown and there's still -- they are still frantically trying to install a power line to the plant, hoping to get the cooling systems working again. it's now been exactly one week since the disastrous quake and tsunami rocked japan. several hours ago, survivors all across that country marked this tragedy with a moment of silence. and the death toll from the japanese quake and tsunami disaster keeps climbing to

staggering levels. the latest casualty numbers show 6500 are confirmed dead. more than 10,000 others are still missing. the initial estimate is $00 million for repair. the official request for federal aid to help clean up the california coastline after the tsunami surge should be submit submitted. the california emergency response agency is putting together the assessment. and that includes the santa cruz harbor. and then the assessment will be sent to the white house when it's done. the total estimated cost, about $44 million. overnight we learned that highway 1 near big sur will probably be closed at least the next month. a massive mudslide forced that closure of a two mile stretch. highway near hurricane point on the monterey county coast. the rain we're getting today may cause even more erosion

making a bad situation worse. later on today, it a team of experts will be -- a team of experts will be out there trying to figure out this mystery. 7:07. we want to check in with sal, see what's happening on the roads in the bay area, including the bay bridge toll plaza. >> you will be happy with what you see, coming in westbound and especially if you are trying to get into san francisco. westbound bay bridge backed up for a short delay. there is a delay there bit the -- it's not completely like sunday morning. the metering lights are on. no problems from downtown from san francisco to the oakland side. let's go to interstate 880. traffic is moving well but you can definitely tell with the wind shaking our cameras and the rain moving through. it won't be a great day for

driving around the bay. let's take a look at contra costa county, even when everything else is light you will see some slowing on highway 4 heading west on concord. this morning in you are driving in the fremont area, it looks pretty good. tennyson road up to 54 miles an hour which is lighter than it normally is. in south bay, we have a little bit of red on our map, especially on 280 northbound and on 85 in cupertino. let's go to steve. well, for maybe parts of the peninsula and the south bay, you might just get mostly cloudy, cloudy skies. but the rain is picking up in the north bay and also to the east bay. it will get to everyone here. we've her had some reports of the front beginning to move in. reports of lake county and those rain lates are starting to pick up. geyserville, guerneville, nothing too heavy yet. but west of santa rosa, some of that rain is starting to pick up. i've had a few cells around

rodeo, martinez, also stretching from alamo, danville. some of that is starting to work its way into los gatos, cupertino. we still have a ways to go because the front is starting to hold. that will increase the rain rates. it comes in late morning this front and then early afternoon very cold dynamic system right there. that cold low is not going anywhere. in fact, it's going to hang out for most of the weekend. details for your rain and wind on this friday. do have some of the heaviest rain between noon and 4:00. russian river and the santa cruz mountains as well. gusts are up 40 plus. higher elevations and also along the coast. temperatures are in the 40s and 50s. sanjose the coolest. we get a few breaks in the clouds, 49. but low 50s. they will end up in the 50s,

low 60s. impressive low dumping right down from the gulf of alaska. we get the front and then the cold air. that will take a big drive down on saturday and the snow levels will come down around 2500, 3,000 feet. winter storm warning starts about 1:00 in the sierra. and they are gonna measure that snow in feet because an even stronger system is poised to move in for sunday. that looks to be the focus for right now. saturday kind of cold and rainy and showers off and on and even a possibility of thundershowers. back to you. there's some pretty anxious parents this morning in san francisco waiting to see what school their kids will be going to in the fall. today, san francisco unified plans to mail out placement offers for more than 14,000 students. this comes after 15,000 parents submitted applications to the school district last month. those parents have until april

15th to accept their placement offer. it is 7:11. breaking news this about the four "new york times" journalists captured in libya. and while there was a cheerful reaction by rebels to the united nations' no-fly zone over libya. the libya government has just announced its response to the u.n. move. after months of heated debate, are arizona lawmakers changing their tune when it comes to illegal immigrants?

good morning. we've had bursts of moderate rain.

things have quieted down significantly. now the front is inching closer and mendocino county, off the marin coast, as that begins to move in, the rain rates will pick up there and the colder air will arrive as well. we're tracking breaking news coming from libya. the foreign minister says libya will stop the attacks against rebels in response to a new united nations' resolution. as alison burns reports from our washington, d.c. newsroom this news comes as the u.s., britain and france are planning possible strikes against libya. allison? >> reporter: dave the announcement came about an hour ago and already there's reports from libyans that moammar gadhafi's forces are still launching attacks. there's certainly a lot of skepticism about whether libya's government is going to follow through with this new cease-fire promise. just yesterday, moammar gadhafi said he would show namerscy. still, these are the

celebrations on streets after the united nations security council took a critical vote for a no-fly zone over libya and pro toe -- and to protect all measures to protect the libyan people. >> this resolution should send a strong message to colonel gadhafi and his regime, that the violence must stopping, the killings must stop and the people from libya must be protected. >> reporter: it's still unclear how the international operation may unfold. france says it's prepared to strike to cripple there in a few hours. there are already two u.s. amphibious assault ships in the region with 400 marines on board. reporting live from alison

burns, ktvu channel 2 news. 7:16. new this morning, "the new york times" says four of its journalists in the custody of sources close to gadhafi will be freed today. they found out about this in a tv interview givennen by gadhafi's son. those reporters have not been seen or heard from hins tuesday. this morning, the new york federal reserve bank confirmed that it intervened in currency markets for the first time in more than a decade. this comes one day after finance ministers from seven of the world's leading industrial nations are promising to help japan's economy in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami. g-7 representatives are taking coordinated steps to keep the yen from highing -- from rising further. it hit husk thighs earlier this week and that's a serious threat to japan's exported economy. i just checked the and the yen

is tumbling against the dollar. that helped push the nikkei up 2.7%. other asian benchmarks gained ground with south korea, taiwan and singapore. it's also pushing stocks higher. this morning, the dow is currently up 1 15 points. 7:17. there is a new cnn poll that shows the american people are losing confidence in the economic recovery. this new poll shows 89% of americans think the economy is in bad shape. that's a 9% increase since january. two-thirds of those surveyed also say they are having a tough time with higher gas prices. almost eight out of ten think gas could put $5 a gallon pipe the end of the year -- gallon by the end of the year. both chambers in california approved more cuts yesterday. that brings their two-day total

to $4 billion in cuts, $14 billion. but they didn't decide on the most controversial of the proposals, the allowing californians to vote on tax increases. there will be another vote. it could come on sunday. arizona lawmakers appear to be softening their stance against illegal immigrants. the republican-controlled state senate rejected a number of bills yesterday that target illegal immigration. among them, citizenship status checks for hospital patients and students. another would have made it a crime for illegal immigrants to drive. two others presented a challenge for 14 amendment rights, granting citizenship to anyone born in the u.s. 7:19. well, the education department is investigating a complaint from -- from an instructor at uc

santa cruz. one ebro man claims the campus is hostile to jews -- hee bro man claims the campus is hostile to jews. earlier this week, we told you about this young lady, alexandra wallace, the student, she posted. youtube video mocking asian students and the way they talk on their phones in january. a backlash of that video led her to apologize. but now her father says her daughter is working on -- his daughter is working on more videos as part of a blog. the family of a san jose woman injured in a car accident is holding a benefit concert this saturday to raise money for her ongoing rehabilitation. 19-year-old jessica hughes suffered a traumatic brain

injury two years ago. her parents are hoping to raise $100,000 to send her to a special neurological problem in new jersey. we'll post a link with the website about the concert that features josh fox, the christian singer. we'll tell what you a petaluma man is accused of doing to his dogs -- coming up. and a close call for a television reporter as an suv backs toward him during a live report. how the vehicle was stopped just in time. good morning. westbound 24 traffic getting up to the tunnel, much better than yesterday. we'll tell you more about the morning commute straight ahead.

a petaluma man has been charged with animal cruelty

after his emaciated labrador retriever was found wander everything the streets. bob nielsen faces three years in jail. his dog was found by the shelter in january. the dog weighs 40 pounds, his front nails were worn down and his muzzle is scabbed. he will be put up for adoption after the criminal case is otherrer. actor charlie sheen is coming to san francisco with his live tour. sheen added a dozen new performance dates to his show called "violent torpedo truth q the that includes the masonic auditorium on april 30th. sheen didn't say much about what his show was about, other than calling it the real story. the tickets go on sale for tomorrow. for every ticket purchased, he will donate to the japanese relief fund. it was a real close call for a san diego nbc reporter

covering the basketball tournament. >> after a win over northern colorado -- whoa! >> did you catch your breath there? >> yeah. that was ben higgins right in the middle of his live report from are arizona. watch it! watch it! watch it! this was last night. the suv almost ap -- almost ran him over. he was okay and yes, he did thank his camera person for saving his life. >> that's happened to some of us before. >> i've come real close to that happening. >> right. you rely on the photographer to help you out. >> you do. let's check in with sal keeping an eye on the roads, including the east bay. >> it's kind of tough, you are in that zone and don't notice what's rebind -- what's behind you. westbound 24, as you get up to the tunnel, you see traffic is

going to be busy but not like it was yesterday. no major problems on interstate 6le 0 -- 680 heading south to highway 24. the morning commute looks okay. westbound bay bridge, that traffic is backed up for about a -- i don't know. it's about a ten-minute wait here. there are no major problems on the upper deck of the bay bridge. if you are driving in oakland, northbound and southbound, 80, that traffic is moving well. let's go back to steve. thank you, sal. we do have some light rain moving in south and east but to the north, the front is beginning to move in. that's the intermittent activity on the windshield. we need that. this is going to be an active pattern. this system will be a cold, dynamic system. a possibility of thunderstorms. not too much going on in the santa cruz mountains. things are rather quiet there. towards the least we had activity across highway 4. north bay, some fair --

fairfield, back to napa, back to sear's point and stretching to marin county. now it's starting to pick you. the leading edge is beginning to crumb in -- to crumb in. the rain is -- to come in. the rain is going to come in and that will take us into the afternoon. we have seen gusts to 40 in some of the higher elevations. the system will come charging in for afternoon rain and wind. you get a good look at our system. the hoe won't go anywhere for a while, at least sunday sunday or monday. that cold air -- once that  starts to arrive, all bets are off. pretty active friday and also last winter weekend. it will stay cool and rainy

into the weekend. tori and dave? >> thank you, steve. scientists say detecting nuclear radiation, they spotted some in the bay area but they are emphasizing there's no reason to worry. mario henderson from the oakland raiders, arrested. and the beta breakers has a new sponsor and why they want their brand associated with the race. that and more when "mornings on 2" continues.

we've had some scattered rain this morning. some of it was brief, heavy. we're finally getting a lull. the front is getting closer. it's inching into mendocino county and into marin county. the wind has cranked up well. from san francisco, oakland south, that's not much. claudine wong, i'm getting if it's not raining, it will soon. >> reporter: you are absolutely right. we're getting the wind you've been talking about this morning coming in. and we have a pretty spectacular spot to see the surf coming in. we know you are tell us the worst is yet to come.

we're-- we've picked a spot to watch this. down on monterey peninsula as well. if we ran over here, i want to see if we can take a look. you know, we did see wet roads this morning. we're gonna continue to see them throughout the day. so that's just something to keep in mind when you are headed out. the conditions are changed and you want to make sure that you are preparedded for that. if you are heeded -- headed up to mountains. we saw the winter weather advisories and it will be a long weekend here. also to keep in mind, we have a little bit of the calm before the -- before the storm here. we'll keep you updated as the conditions change. back to you. >> thank you, claudine. it's 7:32. within the last hour, a diplomat who has access to

radiation tracking says radioactive fallout from japan's damaged nuclear plant has reached california and here in the bay area, scientists at uc berkeley who have their own radio activity monitors say they are also detecting radioactive particles from the plant. but health experts say the very low levels of radiation pose no health risk. jade hernandez is at uc berkeley this morning. and coming up at 8:00, she'll show us exactly what the experts are finding. also today, japan increased the alert of its nuclear crisis from a level 4 to a level 5. that's on a scale of 1 to 7. the level 5 puts the japanese nuclear incident at the same level with the 1979 three mile island nuclear disaster in pennsylvania and this morning, in washington, d.c., nuclear experts here in the u.s. who are against the use of nuclear power said the current prices in japan shows exactly why it's

so risky. >> that this is absolutely the wrong fact to be taking. it's an attempt to manage the unmanageable. there's-- there's no way to to be sure this won't -- to be sure this won't happen again. in fact, it will happen again. >> ed a the damaged -- at the damaged nuclear plants they used fire trucks to spray water to still try to prevent a meltdown. and we continue our coverage of the crisis on our website and at ktvu.com. you can go there for updates on the crisis in japan. that includes the lightest -- latest stories and latest video. back here in the bay area, a more than a criminal cases are in jeopardy because of that drug scandal involving a former contra costa county drug agent. now, 40 cases of norman wielsch are being reviewed and we're told that about a third of

those could be dropped. he and christopher butler are accused of stealing drugs in an evidence locker. a former danville officer has been arrested. offensive tackle mario henderson has within urge -- has been charged with carrying a con seemed firearm in his car without a permit. the 26-year-old athlete was arrested yesterday after a traffic stop in fort myers, florida. he was also cited for not wearing a seat belt and for playing his radio too loud. michael bush was arrested last month on suspicion of drunk driving. some 100 potential jurors filled out 19 pages of questions for the barry bonds' trial. those questions are designed to rule out strong opinions or biases involving one baseball's most controversial super stars. the judge hopes to rap up --

wrap up jury selection by the end of the day on monday and that's when she expects to have seated the 12 jurors and 12 alternates who will decide bonds' fate. he's accused of lying underoath when he testified he never knowingly used steroids. >> we'll have live coverage of this trial outside the courthouse starting early monday morning. well, san francisco's beta breakers race will be around, at least for the next two -- the next two years. kraig debro has more. >> reporter: good morning. i think the major worry was two who -- was who was gonna pay for itle they finally found something to do it. but here on hey street, the neighbors here are more worried about the problems, the public urination along the race route than who sponsor this. they'll be monitoring the problems here no matter who is

-- would is named the sponsor. we've been confirmed that the online retailer dazzle -- zadzzle. the event started back in 1912. the first two events were won by a saint mary's track team member but the youngest person who win it was 6-year-old boitano. she won three in a row, mary also won a marathon and the marin county's race before the age of 10. we've been speaking to people outside about the problems associated with the race along hey street. some of them say live and let live. others say they have a problem with it. reporting live in san francisco. kraig debro, ktvu channel 2

news. we want to check in with sal. it seems like it's a little bit of a calm before the storm that's heading our way right now. >> i think you're being literal. >> all right. good morning. the traffic is doing well. but steve's been mentioning if you are traveling your -- planning your day, you don't want to drive in bad weather. take heed of his forecast which is coming up after this. a little bit of a crowd getting into san francisco. it's backed -- backed up for about a 12 to 15-minute delay before you make it on the bridge and into the city. no major problems on the bridge. it seems to be drying off. more rain is on the way. this morning's commute on 237, we have a little bit of stop- and-go traffic as you cross 88 a. in the south bay, 280 seems to be the busiest freeway anyway. 280 and 17. and then 280 on the peninsula, we're not too bad. let's go across the bay. i want to check out livermore.

we've had a lighter than usual day on interstate 580 hitting west. let's go to steve. >> there we are. i was just updating the radar. we have a system kind of taking a lull towards the peninsula south bay and a little bit in the east bay but things are -- this is on highway 4 in between concord and pittsburg. it looks like between willow pass. that's pretty intense. i'm go -- i'm gonna put this into motion. watch how this develops. there are areas that are also starting -- starring to pick up during the rain. we're waiting for the system to come in. we'll let you the latest information. that's where the front is beginning to work its way in, especially towards the north bay as i come out wider, it will start to pick up. so things are quieting down. even toe it's quiet and windy, we'll see the rain rates come in. the satellite picture tell story right there. the big -- tells the story

right there. the big low, and the cold air arrives tomorrow. tori? >> thank you, steve the we'll keep a close eye on it. why president obama's upcoming trip to south africa will be a family affair. and why donald rumsfeld is criticizing. president's trip and where he  thinks the president should go instead? we'll talk live with the "american idol" cough -- contestant just voted -- voted off the show last night.

♪ well, "american idol" is now down to 11. the contestant booted off last

night is singer karen. she joins us live from los angeles this morning. karen, i know you didn't get any sleep but you're up with us this morning. i know. i'm waving at you, too. thank you for being here with us. you're beautiful, you're talented. i gotta ask you this -- do you think they made the right decision and how do you feel this morning? >> i feel great. hi, how are you? >> i'm great. how are you? >> i'm awesome. back to your question, well, i felt that i did, you know, the most that i could this week, you know, i picked a great, powerful song and i added my little twist of spanish this there and i felt comfortable and i felt like i did great and the judges, you know, there so encouraging -- terrazzo encouraging. i-- they are so encouraging. i felt like i wanted to stay. i'm looking forward to the rest

of my high, which is great. >> i know it's gonna be great and i know that j-lo loved you. how did that feel? >> i love her too. she's awesome. she's been rooting for me from the beginning. she's been my idol for so long. i got to perform for her every week. she definitely wants me to succeed and that to me -- it means so much to me. >> how do you rate the "american idol" judges? obviously you like j-lo what about all of them? >> i love them. i've been watching randy for a while now. he's great. i feel like their chemistry -- steven is just crazy. i love him. [ laughter ] >> he's -- he's always so sweet and -- but you guys don't see half of it. he comes to us before -- all of them do and they give us big hugs and they are so nice.

they work so great together. i feel like that -- like that's what was missing. the encouraging part. the they are so -- they work so well together and they are always so like helpful. we all need to know what happens, we have to keep going. people who have careers have been through us. they are telling us we're amazing. whoa! that's crazy. >> we're almost out of time and you have to get some rest. what are you going to do next, karen? >> there's so many things coming up. i have so many opportunities in america and latin america. i can't wait to do music my own way, sing my own way, write my own songs, just perform to my best ability. i get to come back for the finale. i can't wait to see the

contestants. there's so green great things. our songs are on itunes. buy our songs. help, japan. thank you so much for everything. all of my fans, thank you for watching and voting. >> you are a wonderful young lady and a great talent. we're claiming you as a star even though you were voted off last night. karen -- karen la guardia -- karen rodriquez. let's take it back to tori. one hefty donation to japan is fashion designer, yanai. other donors include sandra bullock who donated $1 million to the red cross and lady gaga is donating the preaide -- the

proceeds to a $5 bracelet. first lady michelle, obama, her mother and first daughter, sasha and malia will join the president's on his trip to brazil, chile and el salvador. the president is going to focus on jobs and drug violence. now, donald rumsfeld said instead of going to latin america -- donald trump said instead of going to latin america, he should go to japan. trump said it would be brilliant for him to go to japan and it would show the willingness of the u.s. to help with the crisis there. we have an update to a story we first brought to you in december. that's when 2.6 million of gallons overflowed from manhole covers in kentfield. now, the ross valley sanitary district says j and b

construction -- jmb construction is partly responsible. s are valley also says vandalism could have contributed to the spill. five take -- five people were taken away in handcuffs while protesting a richmond church foreclosure. >> it's our clip! >> bibleway pastor and parishioners were arrested after reloosing to leave yesterday. the church's lender foreclosed on the property as we reported live on "mornings on 2." supporters say the church fell victim to a predatory loan. >> the banks think they can get away with kicking families out of their homes, kicking churches out -- church members out of buildings and taking all of the vital things out of our

community. >> aide say church members asked for help too late in the process. borders bookstores will be closing three more stores. milpitas, pleasant hill and the san rafael stores will be out of business by the end of the may. that will leave them with just seven of their 21 bay area stores. mourners filed for bankruptcy last month. they received permission to close as many as 300 u.s. stores. well, bay area transit and housing agencies are predicting your future. they are looking at our area 25 years from now. they predict there will be $2 million more people here in the bay area in the year 2036. there will be 900,000 more apartments, condos and homes to accommodate them. most of those homes will be built near bus stations and rail stations. a local sin gnaw gog is holding a bone marrow drive this weekend to try to save a san mateo teenager's life.

the boy was recently diagnosed with the rare disease that requires immediate treatment. his sin gnaw gog in burlingame will hold a drive to help find bryce a match. the group is particularly looking for russian, italian, jewish donors, since that's his background. 8:49. well-- 7:49. a bar in modesto may lose its liquor license all because of what was found inside during a recent raid. they were seen shivering in the aftermath of the disaster in japan and now we're learning what's become of this loyal dog and its injured friend.

taking a live look at the big board on wall street, numbers are higher today, not only here but across the world, actually. basically because of plans announced by the g-7 to support

the japanese yen and keeping it lower instead of letting it rise. and that would hurt the japan's heavy export economy. right now, the dow is currently up 131 at 11,906. nasdaq is up 16. s&p is up 12. it is 7:52. nissan is now performing radiation scans on all of the vehicles made in japan. nissan says it started the testing because of public concerns but so far there are no signs of contamination. it's also reassuring customers they are not at risk. and the fda is warning consumers about online ads for anti-radiation pills. the fda says real potassium iodide can help block the thyroid from absorbing some types of radiation but they warn con artists may be selling unapproved pro ducts to profit on worries of radiation. public health officials said there's no need for anyone in

the u.s. to take these pills since the radiation threat is so low that such precautions are not necessary. if you saw the pictures -- you saw the pictures of the shivering dog in japan and ooh trying to help -- in japan and trying to help another dog. if you are wondering where they are, one is in a shelter, the other is recovering in a vet. after seeing these pets, a lot of people offered to rescue the dogs and adopt them. shelters say those two are just the tip of the iceberg. many more animals out there need help. the cdc say a donor did not test positive for h.i.v. 79 days prior to a surgery but had unemploymenticted -- protected sex with another man sometime between that test and

the surgery. now the cdc is recommending organ donors have another h.i.v. test a week before surgery. police raided a bar in modesto and they found underaged drinkers and pole dancers inside. the bar was raided last friday night by the police who say they were took -- acting on complaint. two people were arrest. officers found pole dancers between the ages of 17 and 20. they say two of the teenagers had actually told their parents they were at a sleepover. the bar could now be fined and could lose its liquor breaking news license. it is 7:55. we want 0 check in with sal who is keeping an eye on parts all over the bay area for any problems out there. sal? >> it's been pretty quiet. but we've had some problems out there. i want to mention that at the corner of san pablo avenue and dwight way, it might be -- it might be a good area to avoid. there is a crash there. let's take a look at the commute here in berkeley -- i'm

sorry in san rafael. it's violently windy. it's a little bit wet there. let's go to the next camera here. westbound bay bridge. that camera shoates us stop-and- go traffic -- shows us stop and go traffic. it is lighter than unusual in livermore this morning. livermore, dublin, castro valley and then getting down to the south bay, we've had a couple of minor fender-benders but noticably lighter, except 85, between cupertino, sunnyvale and mountain view, we have a little slow traffic. let's go to steve. we had cloudy skies. we had a bust of moderate rain this morning now it's moving in. there's still some light showers there. but the main system is beginning to move in, especially along mendocino coast, down to marin county. but about san francisco east, it's not too bad.

there it is. you can see some of this beginning to sweep in from the bask. it will only be a couple of hours. that low which is spinning in the middle of your screen is not going anywhere. it will sit there for the entire weekend and rotate in bands. some of these will be moderate to heavy on the details today about .50 to 2 poi 50 plus. this system will be very windy and much, much colder temperatures move in. we're already in the 50s right now. but we won't get much warmer for the locations they will be in the mid- to upper 50s and just kind of hunker down. i know a lot of baseball practices have been cancelled. >> i know. >> i heard that yesterday,. >> bummed out. >> it doesn't look promising all the way through sunday, even monday tori, dave? >> thank you. trouble for san francisco's muni this morning. the problem inside two of their aging tunnels

when the rain will arrive and how long it will last. >> reporter: good morning. we just spoke to a prose fer he and -- professor at the university and we'll show you what he showed us. and the big change in the nuclear threat level. we're following several new developments in libya this morning. why hillary clinton said the world had no choice but to impose a no-fly zone. the second hour of "mornings on 2" starts now. good morning. welcome back to "mornings on 2." i'm tori campbell. >> good morning. i'm dave clark. it's friday, march 18th. independence windy out there. we've seen brief, busts of rainfall. but the rain main is just emerging off the coast. let's get to steve. >> that's correct, tori and dave. it looks like a very, very wet, cold weekend with temperatures staying in the 50s for many.

the rain that came by this morning is associated with this testimony that's beginning to -- with this system is beginning to swing in, to lake county, mendocino county, napa and marin county. but about san francisco, oakland south, not too bad. this is starting to turn into very steady rain. let meet get the latest images and then i'll go right there. starting to sleep in there, east towards calorie so ga, sonoma back to novato. right about from marin county. south of that is not too bad. but the wind has kicked up. it will be a windy, rainy day. here's sal with an update on the roads. >> steve, it's wet and windy in marin county. it's been raining pretty hard in some areas. you will see standing water. we're also following video that we had from orinda where a power pole came down, the power pole was weak bed and came down

onto power lines in orinda. this was near highway 24, south of highway 24, morago way the closest location. pg&e crews are still there on the scene trying to fix the problem. they say that customers in the area still do have power. at 8:01 let's go back to the desk. thank you, sal it's now confirmed its nationally and here in the bay area, very low levels of radiation levels of japan's nuclear plant have arrived here in the bay area. however, officials say there's nothing to worry about. jade hernandez is live at uc berkeley. that's where one of the detections are active today. >> reporter: that's right. we just spoke to a faculty member here in the nuclear engineering department. he showed us a website that's collecting all of the data from

those radiation detectors. it shows the levels of potassium, iodide, selair reyum. we can see that there are very, very small levels found of the elements. the information comes from four radiation detectors on the top of the hall on the campus of uc berkeley. the environmental protection agency and the state health department spent most of yesterday downplaying any hazard raidation particles may have if they e-- if they reach the west coast. radioactive fallout has reached southern california already this morning the diplomat has access to radiation tracking and says readings are about a billion times beneath levels that would be threatening. but the environmental protection agency said they won't stop reassess the situation. >> our models are based on the best available information that we have, if conditions would

change, we'd certainly look at the changing conditions and revise those estimates. >> reporter: the radiation levels here in berkeley will be checked two more times today. experts tell us what radiation is being detected is the same radiation you would receive if you went a little higher in the atmosphere, atop a -- atop a hill or in an airplane. the particles are commented to drop in the ocean and are not expected to injure swimmers. now, i just got an update about the radiation levels that were recorded last night. jade hernandez, ktvu channel 2 news. >> thank you, jade. it is four minutes after 8:00. today, japan's prime minister in a national tv address called on the japanese people to unite in rebuilding that country from scratch. also today, japan increased the alert of its nuclear crisis from level 4 -- to level 5 on a

scale of 7. it's been now been -- it's now been a week since the earthquake and deadly tsunami. just now, survivors all across japan marked this tragedy with a moment of silence and the death toll keeps climbing to staggering levels. the latest casualty figures show more than 500 people are confirmed dead. but more than -- 6500 people are confirmed dead. but more than 10,000 others are still missing. 20 foreign exchange students who spent the last week right here in the bay area, they will climb on a plane to go home to japan. that's where they will be reunited with their families for the first time since last week's earthquake. the livermore families who hosted these students will be

sending care packages back with them to japan. you can see them right here. the family's preparing some of those care packages last night. 8:50. by next week, the official request for federal aid to help cleanup the california coastline after last month's tsunami surge should be submitted. the state's response agency is putting together the assessment which includes the santa barbara harbor. once complete, that assessment will be sent to the white house. more than 100 boats were damaged at the santa cruz harbor alone. and cost is estimated to be $4 million. overnight we've learned highway one near big sur will be closed for at least a month. a massive mudslide has forced the closure on monterey coast. today's rain could make a bad situation even worse. later today, a team of experts will try to figure ut -- figure

out what caused this. two of muni's oldest tunnels have never been seismically tested. that's according to an internal report from 2009. the documents show the 82-year- old sunset tunnel and the 94- year-old twin peaks tunnel in san francisco have a lot of cracks, leaks and corrosion. this week, muni announced the plan to fix the worst worst of the problems by january 201. a spokesperson says the tunnel defects won't jeopardize the safety of riders but experts say visual maintenance reports cannot be used to determine seismic safety. >> 8:07. this morning, the chp is investigating the roadway death of a 72-year-old woman in mill valley. a car struck and killed her last night while she was walking across the intersection of seminary and hodges. the chp says the driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.

officers say it's still unclear why the woman was crossing at that intersection since there's no clearly marked crosswalk. 8:07. let's get the latest on how the commute is right now. sal, what do you see? >> we're seeing traffic that is moving along pretty well on this friday. we've had crashes but it has not set back the commute. on watt way there's a minor accident -- on dwight way there is a minor accident involving a bus. we're assessing the situation. highway 4, this commute, it's unusual to see it this light and good news if you are driving to concord. even the part in antioch is beginning to let up. taking a look at the westbound bay bridge, that's backed up for about a 15-minute wait. a little bit of slowing object bridge itself. but it's dry. it won't stay that bay. but for now it's dry. and 280 traffic in the south bay is light. it's improved. in fact, the south bay commute in the last few minutes has

become much better. had. let's go to steve. >> i think we're doing very well. there were some light rain showers that went through the peninsula. a pretty good band that went through. things have let up because the front is coming in. so from about marin county towards napa north. it's starting to work its way in. it being the front. the front starts to keep in. we have a long way to go. i mean, i still think later this afternoon, until this thing gets through, it might -- i think it might even slow down. a little wave has formed on the front. i just heard from our observer ron up in -- zer row. he's had about an inch of rain. big drops. the low right there -- you can see these speckle clouds. that could produce some thunderstorms also some hail. it's not going anywhere. it will sit there for entire weekend and rotate in band after band. there will be a stronger system moving in on sunday that may take in the santa cruz

mountains. we'll fine-tune that later. but there is our system beginning to move in. most of the shower activity ahead of it has kind of turned to cloudy skies and lessened up. but that system is beginning to make its move. as it does, it's going to give us a very windy pattern. already in place. also very wet pattern. about .50 to 2 inches for some. this low will feed in one band after another and really cold air comes in tonight and tanks us into saturday. saturday will feel like winter. the front should come through around noon to 4:00. it's a steady rain for some. but forkers -- but for others, it's cloudy. .50 to 2 inches. a very, windy, blustery day. temperatures in the 50s. low to mid. highs today will be in the mid- to upper 50s. you get a good look at the low on the satellite picture. as it sweeps in one system, it will rotate another one and then a stronger one will drop in. eventually, it looks like this low will dig and kind of head towards southern california but probably not until sunday night

into monday. we're still not even done monday because next week i would will be spring still looks active and bullish for rain. the next three days much cooler, windy, off and-and-on rain. tori? there's anxious parents waiting to see which school their children will go to. placement offers will be mailed out for more han 14,000 students. this-- more than 14,000 students. this comes after applications were submitted last month. parents have until april 15th to except their placement placement -- to september their placement offer. we're following developments in libya.

good morning. a very cold rain is falling. it's 43 in ukiah. they've had over 2 inches of rain. the winter storm warning is out. you can see why the green is turning to white. as we move south, the front is moving in. it will start sweeping in later on. some of this will bring moderate to heavy rain and much dealer -- cooler temperatures. new this morning, libya is

announcing it will stop attack on rebels. this is in evance so the united nations' threat of a no-fly zone. but as ktvu's alison burns reports from the washington, d.c. newsroom, the attacks, at least for now, appear to be continuing. alison? >> reporter: tori, within an hour of libya's cease-fire declaration this morning, rebels reported that moammar gadhafi's forces had launched new attacks and killed at least 25 25 -- 25 people. the united states, france and britain are preparing after yesterday's vote that call force a flo-fly zone over libya and for the states to do whatever it takes to protect the libyan people. just about a half hour ago, secretary of state hillary clinton expressed skepticism about the cease-fire and explained the need for the resolution. >> colonel gadhafi 'refusal to hear the repeated calls up until now to halt violence against its people has left us

with no other choice but to pursue this course of action. >> reporter: rebels celebrated in the streets after the u.n. resolution was passed. it's still unclear what the international operation against gadhafi forces might look like and what arab nations might be involved. france said it was prepared to launch strikes against gadhafi's military within hours. reporting live from alison burns, ktvu channel 2 news. also new this morning from libya, "the new york times" says four of its journalists who are in custody of forces loyal to libyan leader, moammar gadhafi, will be set free. "the times quit said it learned about this in a --" the times "said it learned about this in a tv report from gadhafi's son. lawmakers in sacramento will have a very busy weekend, negotiating the rest of governor brown's proposal. they've cut $14 billion in two

days. but they still haven't decided on the most controversial -- the. lawmakers are softening their stance against illegal imny grants. the republican-controlled state senate rejected a number of bills yesterday that target illegal immigration. among them, citizenship status checks for hospital patients and students. another would have made it a dream for illegal immigrants to drive and two others presented a challenge to 14th amendment rights granting citizenship to anyone born in the u.s. the san francisco district attorney says white supremacist gang activity is on the rise in the city's tenderloin district. the d.a. is investigating several recent disturbing incidents including one unprovoked attack outside and o'farrell street bar in

november. police say a group of five men attacked two men from mexico while yelling "white power." one victim was left bleeding and unconscious. that case paved the way for a wider investigation. as a result of this case, it really has furthered our intelligence, our understanding of white supremacy groups operating in our city. >> prosecutors say it's often difficult to get victims to step forward since many are undocumented and are worried they will be -- they will be deported if they go to the police. the education department is investigating a complaint made by an instructor. he says anti-israel protests and some other recent campus political activities say there's hostility. a southern california college student behind a youtube rant that went voyeural

want -- viral wants to make its talking on their phones. it was a backlash against the video. she later apologized but her father says he's -- she's working on more videos as part of the blog. the family of a san jose woman injured in a car accident is holding a benefit concert this saturday to raise money for her ongoing rehabilitation. 19-year-old jessica hughes suffered a traumatic brain injury two years ago. her family is hoping to raise $100,000 to sent her -- send her her to a special neurological problem in new jersey. we'll post this information on ktvu. it features christen singer, josh fox. >> yes. a disturbing case of animal

cruelty in pet lama county. what a -- in petaluma county, what a man is accused of doing to his job. and - - to his dog. and a close call for a television reporter from san diego. and it's still slow traffic crossing 880. we'll tell you more about the morning commute on this friday straight ahead. p place

a petaluma man has been charged with animal cruelty months after his emaciated dog was found wandering the streets. bob nielsen faces three years in prison. now, his dog renamed boomer by shelter workers astound in february. there's boomer. he weighed less than 40 pounds. his front nails were mourned down. his muzzle, scabbed. boomer is recovering in foster care. he will be put up for adoption when this criminal case is over. charlie sheen's live tour is coming to san francisco. the actor added a dozen new shows. that includes the nob hill masonic auditorium. sheen's not saying much about what the show is about other than calling it "the real story." tickets go on sale for tomorrow. for every ticket purchased, sheen will donate $1 to the red cross japanese earthquake relief fund.

it was a close call for a san diego television reporter covering the ncaa basketball tournament in arizona. >> reporter: after a 68-50 win over the university of northern colorado -- oh! >> yeah. a little surprise there. ben higgins was in the middle of his live shot in tucson when you saw that suv nearly ran him over. higgins went on to finish that report. he thanked his photographer for saving him. you have to rely on those photographers. >> yeah. sal, you've done a great job by giving you us -- giving us a very good friday morning commute. >> you get into that joan -- i'm gonna pretend i'm on tv

here. this is the heaviest traffic has been all morning. the morning commute looks he pretty good if you are driving out to the commute here on 880 right near the coliseum. the-- coliseum. you see the traffic is -- in the san jose area we keep watching 85 for some reason. it continues to be the busy highway. all of the other freeways are okay. 85 from cupertino all way up to mountain view. let's go to steve. thank you, sir. steve crook, photographer, the front is starting to get very, very close. we've already had rain out ahead of it. it's there. it's a very cold system. see all of those speckled clouds. that's a lot of cold air that will take us into tonight and take us into saturday. front, very heavy rain being

reported up in ukiah. 2inches in cazadero. reports of heavy rain and hail. so the possibility exists of thunderstorms or very brief heavy rain and hail. that system begins to slice through. it's just off from marin county -- it's moving into marin county. it's just off the s an mateo/santa cruz coastlinele it still has a way --aways to go. .50 to over 2.50 easily for some of the wettest locations. santacruz mountains, also the russian river points north and even -- winter storm warnings are out for the nosh mountains of lake county and also the sierra which starts at 1:00. 50s on the temperatures. they will stay there for most of the day. you can get a good signature on that low as the low spins down. it will sit there and rotate in band after band. it will be a front today and more showery in nature

tomorrow. it will be cold tomorrow and another stronger front moves in on sunday. that one at this time really looks to focus its energy in the santa cruz mountains. monday looks like more rain. some berkeley school kids were late for school today. what happened less than an hour ago after a car sideswiped a school bus. the legal fallout from the corruption scandal involving a former contra costa county drug agent. and why an online retailer wants show sponsor the bea tu brakers. -- wants to sponsor the beta breakers.

getting reports up in ukiah. winter storm mountains for the -- warnings for northern lake county. cazadero has reported hail.

we have a surfer trying to take advantage of the waves. the tide has come in. so again, changing conditions as you said this morning, we've kind of watched it. we've kind of gotten lucky without the rain. we know that's coming. the winter weather advisory in the in thes -- in the mountains. if you are headed up to tahoe to get in skiing, it may be a long drive. but for now, it is a pretty

spectacular sight out hire as we watch this surf advisory approach us this afternoon as does this storm. claudine wong, ktvu channel 2 news. >> thank you for the heads up. we have flight delays this morning at at least one bay area airport because of the weather. we just checked with sfo. they're reporting 45-minute delays and arrivals but no departure delays. at oakland, no delays. check with your flights first if you have to catch a flight today. and when you are away from us here on tv, head to the storm tracker track on ktvu.com. you can see the live radar. 8:32. this morning a diplomat who has access to u.n. radiation tracking says radioactive fallout from japan's damaged nuclear plant has reached california. here in the bay area, scientists at uc berkeley who

have their own radioactive monitors say they are detecting radioactive part tells from the -- cart pells from -- particles from the japanese plant. but experts say the very low levels of the radiation pose no health increase. the level 5 puts the japanese nuclear incident at the same level with the three mile island disaster in pennsylvania and in washington, d.c., nuclear experts here in the u.s. who are against the use of nuclear power said the current crisis in japan shows just how risky it is. >> that this is absolutely the wrong path to be taking. it's an attempt to manage the unmanageable. there's no way to be sure that this won't happen again and, in fact, it will happen again.

>> at the damaged nuclear plant, they used fire trucks to spray water and overactive reactors. japan's police agency says more than 6900 are dead. more than 10,700 are missing. we continue our coverage on the crisis in japan in our newscasts adz websites -- and our websites. you can always go to ktvu.com. back here in the bay area, more than a dozen bay area criminal cases are in jeopardy because of that corruption scandal involving a former contra costa county drug agent. 40 cases died -- tied to norman wielsch are being reviewed now. and the district attorney says about a third of the cases may be dropped. wielsch and christopher butler are accused of stealing drugs from an evidence room. a former danville police officer has also been arrested. and we now have surveillance images of a man suspected in the stabbing of a

mc donald's employee in vale. - - in vallejo. there is a woman trying to hold him back. police say the man, who may go by the name of vincent and vinny, attacked the employee after being asked to leave the restaurant. the restaurant worker was stabbed several times and is recovering. it's 8:34. it's been a rough road in recent years but the big footrace across san francisco, the beta breakers may finally be getting back on track. kraig debro tells us about an announcement that could help save the beta breakers on it's 100th navy which is coming up next month. it's the third sunday in may. that's the day the beta breakers is run. they have a new sponsor zazzle. they've come in and agreed to sponsor the event.

new rules this year. no alcohol and no floats. sam singer told me the sponsorship deal was made without any requirement that zazzle. we're told that zazzle shes -- sees this as not only a notoriety to the brand, but this is just the kind of creativity zazzle brings to its products. the race will be the first in recent memory to ban floats and drinking. this year's race is the 100th beta breakers race. the very first race was ran in 1912. st. mary's track team captain, bobby volt, won the race. drinking-- drinking and public urination weren't the first controversy to hound the race.

in 1971, women ran in the first beta breakers racing, after a protest. seven years earlier, this was a woman's role in the race, kiss the winner knolling the race. and-- following the race. and in 1992, the first centipedes were in the race. there are records that indicate in '78, centipedes awards were given out to the best costumes. so a little bit of discrepancy there, depending upon who you talk to. back to you. if you can't wait for the bay tu breakers, this weekend, the city is holing a streets fair. this sunday's event will be held alongle embarcadero between fisherman's wharf and mission way. it goes from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., rain or sunshine

and steve has been telling us you can count on rain this sunday. hey, sal, what's happening at the toll plaza? >> it's busy. it's unusual for it to be busy this late. we're seeing a bigger backup than we normally see. this is a 20-minute delay at the tacoma, at least. we're looking at it. i'm just making sure there's nothing reported westbound coming into san francisco. just to make sure i don't see a crash but just a lot of -- just a lot of people coming into this area. let's take a look at the san francisco area northbound 101, looks good and so does southbound 101 as you drive out to the area, you can see the traffic is moving along -- if you are taking a run down to the airport, the traffic is okaying good. it looks like my sierra camera froze up. so i'm gonna bring up the maps here. there we go. sanjose, northbound 280, as -- as you get up to 17 no

problems. northbound 85, traffic between cupertino and sunnyvale, that traffic is okay. on the peninsula we've been pretty busy. redwood city out to beautiful half moon bay. here's steve. thank you, sal. we do have cloud cover, windy, rain stott north, moving in. now we've already had a couple of winds in the morning. i've seen about .10 to .03. mill valley, brief downbursts happened a few moments ago. the low will sit here all weekend. eventually on sunday it will will start to drift off. i would say by tonight into saturday is gonna be one of those wait five minutes, cold, showery and then we might get some some sun and then we might get some showers. our system is spreading into

sonoma county, napa county and off -- and off of marin county. yet, south of that, the band is moving into the peninsula right now. the rain details, it's going to be a rainy weekend. no doubt about it. heaviest, noon to 4:00. unless it stalls out. it might come in later t seems to be on track. .50 to well over 2.50. the wind has already gusted to 40 miles an hour. low 50s. temperatures really won't matter too much because they won't warm up. that system is go would na play into our weather for the next three days. it start this morning and continues tonight with the cold air plunging. it's glenn get very cold here. snow-- it's gonna get very cold here. snow levels down to 2,000 feet, 2500 feet. if you are heading to the sierra, get going now because by 1:00 that winter -- winter storm warning comes in. that snow could stack up to -- they will measure it in feet by sunday. one more time, take a look at

that system. that lee is just going to sit there and send in some very hefty bands. some of these will be moderate to hefty rain. 1:00 today through 5:00 p.m. saturday. they will probably update that. sacramento, snowfall 1 to 4 plus feet above 7,000 feet. i believe i heard norton has already 150 inches of snow. they will -- they've already made it to their season average. 150 at nordon and they will get a lot more. snow level will go up a little bit and then come way down by saturday. thunderstorms, rain, cold, other than that, we can say goodbye to winter. >> okay. [ laughter ] >> on monday we can say hello, spring! >> thank you, steve. tomorrow night you can say hello to the full moon which will look bigger than usual. the moon will be at paragy,

that's still 212,000 miles away. the celestial event happens only a few -- only a few times. it will happen at:48 tomorrow night. >> i'm gonna look anyway. >> we'll try, through the clouds. bay area transit and housing agencies are looking into your future. what they see happening here in about 25 years.

let's bring i up to date on some of the timms we're following for you right now -- in japan, the latest estimate show the number of dead and missing from the quake and tsunami, is almost 17,000. also today, the airport in sendai, that's the city closest to the epicenter, has been

cleared of debris. they are ready to receive much- aided -- much-needed aid deliveries. today the government -- today, the government of moammar gadhafi received a no - -- received a cease-fire. they say the libyan government is still launching air attacks. this morning, the jury selection continues in the barry bonds perjury case. a judge was hoping to pinnish that process by the end of the day on monday. and oakland raiders free agent is facing a gun charge after an arrest in florida. mario henderson has been charged with carrying a concealed firearm in his car without a permit. the 26-year-old was arrested yesterday after a traffic stop in fort myers. he was also cited for not wearing a seat belt and for playing his car stereo too loud. he's the second raider to be

arrested this offseason. michael bush was arrested last month on spin, of -- suspicion of drunk driving. a former janitor at a middle school has been arrested for felony child molestation. the janitor was taken into custody without incident earlier this week. he will be charged with groping a female middle school student. experts say there's at least one other accusation of groping. and we have breaking news from wisconsin. a wisconsin judge has temporarily blocked that new state law curbing public worker union bargaining rights. you may recall there was a huge standoff between the republicans who wanted to pass this bill and democrats who ended up leaving the state to prevent it from being passed and several county officials have issued legal challenges saying that -- saying there was some legal discrepancies with would you this -- with how this was done. for now, again, the breaking news, a wisconsin judge has temporarily blocked that new

state law curbing public worker bargaining rights. 8:47. bay area transit and housing agencies are predicting your future. they are looking at the bay area 25 years from now. they predict there will be 2 million more people in the bay area in the year 2036. and that there will be 900,000 more apartments condos and homes to accommodate them all. most of those homes will be built near bus and rail stations. later on, president obama begins a five-day trip to latin america and will be -- and it will be part family affair. the first lady, michelle obama, her daughters sasha and malia will join the president on his visits to brazil, chile and el sa var doer -- el salvador.

the first fleam will leave andrews air force base just after 7:30 pacific time. donald trump says instead of going to latin merck, he says -- latin america, he says president obama should get on a plane and go to japan. donald trump, who is seriously considering running for president in 2012, says it would be brilliant for president obama to go to japan to show the u .s.'s willingness to lep out with the crisis there. there are big names helping relief efforts in donations. one very hefty donation is from a fashion he designer. he's donating -- fashion designer. he's donating $26 million in clothes and sandra billion lounge donated $1 million and lady gaga is donating $from a -- from a brace let's that says. we pray, japan." and american idol has their songs on itunes for donations to japan. the person in danger of

leaving us tonight is karen. haley, you are safe. >> talking about karen >> talking about care karen rodriquez. i talked with her life on "mornings on 2" just about an hour ago. karen told us what's next for her in her kung -- and her young career? >> i have so many opportunities in both america and latin america. i'm very excited. i can't wait to do music my own way, write my own songs. >> karen also thanked her fans for their support and she said she looks forward to -- returning to the season final i l you can watch "american idol" right here. it airs wednesdays and thursdays at 8:00 p.m. 8:50 if you saw these images of a shivering dog in japan trying to help another

injured dog after the shake and tsunami, you might wonder what happened to them? one is in a shelter, the other is recovering in a vet facility. animal shelters say those two animals are own i i -- are only the tip of the iceberg and really more need help. >> it's really heartwarming to see thatian looking after his buddy. 8:-- 8:50. there's a huh study about the popular gps device, we'll tell you with that. also a giant japanese automaker is now responding to the radiation threat in that country.

a live look at the big board on wall street, a cease- fire in libya and an international plan to bring the yen down is pushing stockings higher today. they've given up some of their gains, the do you is up 105. nasdaq is up 8 and s&p is also up 8. it's 8:54. nasa is now performing radiation scans on all of its vehicles made in japan. nissan says it started the testing because of public concerns but so far there are no signs of contamination. it's also reasewerring customers they are not -- reassuring customers they are not at risk. the fda is warning consumers

about about online ads for radiation pills. the fda says real potassium iodide can help the thyroid from blocking certain types of radiation. but they warn con artists may be selling unapproved products. public health officials add there's no reason for anyone in the u.s. to take the pills because the radiation threat is so low, precautions are not necessary. we have an update on a story back in december. that's when 2.6 million gallons of sewage overflowed from manhole covers in kentfield. now the ross valley sanitary district says jmb construction of south san francisco is partially responsible for the mess because the debris the company allowed to back up in the sewer system. ross valley says vandalism may well have contributed to that spill. overnight borders announced they are closing tree more

bookstores. the company says the milpitas, pleasant hill and san rafael stores will be out of business by the end of may. that will leave jus seven of its stores open by the first of june. borders filed for bankruptcy last month. they received permission to close as many as 300 u.s. stores. 8:55. walmart is the business most gps users search for while driving. this is the second year in a row that walmart has topped the list. walmart pro diced more than double the -- produced the more than double the searches, target, star buck, number three, west buy was fourth. the only high pressures -- company is have on my gps, gas stations -- companies i have on my gps, gas stations. sal, i don't knee need a gps in the bay area. >> i don't use a gps in the bay

area. >> you don't need one. you are the gps. >> i have been doing traffic a lock time but i do take it -- use it when i'm out of the bay area. northbound 280 getting up to highway 17. that traffic is getting along okay. we started to get some slow spots. i want to mention. we're not gonna be able to show it to you. but there is still a rather large backup at the bay bridge toll plaza. as steve and i have been telling you, this afternoon wouldn't be a great day for driving because of the weather coming in. in fact, the weekend forecast now with all of that -- hello, steve. >> sal, it's not a great morning especially in parts of the north bay even extending up to mendocino/lake county. here's our system. i want to draw your attention to san jose. it just went through point reyes lighthouse, this cell,

it's a cell. very intense rain in there and possibility of some hail. that's kind of a quick easy time frame -- time frame. it will probably weaken this system as it moves towards richmond, oakland berkeley. that's a really strong cell, it looks like ba lien kniss and point reyes. colder air arrives, rainy, cold. big system on sunday. don't forget. ktvu's "mornings on 2" over the weekend, 7:00 to 9:00. stay tuned to the weather. thanks for watching. >> bye now.